Holding steady.
Popularity of Jonothan since 1950
Babies named Jonothan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 67 |
| 1960s | 95 |
| 1970s | 169 |
| 1980s | 227 |
| 1990s | 191 |
| 2000s | 113 |
| 2010s | 20 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Jonothan is a modern respelling of the classic Hebrew name Jonathan, first recorded in U.S. data in 1950. The name reached its peak popularity in 1982, though it has never entered the top 1,000 rankings. Over the decades, its usage has remained stable, reflecting a steady but very low level of adoption. The variant Jonothan likely emerged as parents sought a distinctive spelling while retaining the familiar pronunciation. Unlike the widely popular Jonathan, which has consistently been a top-100 name, Jonothan remains a rare choice, appealing to those who prefer a unique twist on a traditional biblical name. Its top states of usage are sparse, indicating no strong regional concentration.
Jonothan is a less common spelling variant of Jonathan, which derives from the Hebrew name Yonatan, meaning 'God has given.' Jonathan appears in the Hebrew Bible as the son of King Saul and close friend of David. The spelling Jonothan began appearing in the mid-20th century, reflecting a phonetic variant that may have been influenced by nonstandard pronunciation or the desire for a unique spelling.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Jonothan
Names that share Jonothan's style, for a brother or sister.
